Pitching target

ABSTRACT

A collapsible pitching target is described in which a target is located substantially in front of a backstop and preferably includes one or more spot targets.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

NOT APPLICABLE.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to targets for practicing baseballpitching.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The following discussion is provided solely to assist the understandingof the reader, and does not constitute an admission that any of theinformation discussed or references cited constitute prior art to thepresent invention.

Majumdar, U.S. Pat. No. 6,837,809 describes a passive pitching targetthat includes a resilient, rectangular, laminar backstop indentable by apitched baseball.

Boteler, U.S. Des. Pat. 350,569 shows a baseball pitching target withrectangular areas defined by a frame.

Yancy, U.S. Pat. No. 5,046,729 describes a baseball pitching target thathas a matrix of panels representing a strike zone with switches mountedbeneath the panels causing corresponding lights to illuminate whenrespective panels are struck with a pitched baseball.

Maye, U.S. Pat. No. 4,955,607 describes a baseball spot pitching targetin which a double loop device is positioned beside home plate.

Playter, Jr. U.S. Pat. No. 4,254,952 describes a pitching practicedevice that consists of a sheet of canvas or the like having an aperturedefining a strike zone. A canvas chute can be attached to the rearsurface of the sheet.

Newland et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,657,250 describes a baseball pitchingpractice apparatus that has a frontal strike zone target and aphotoelectric sensing plane that locates pitches with the strike zone.The apparatus also includes a ball return panel and a ball returntrough.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is designed to provide a very effective andversatile pitching target, which is particularly advantageous for youngpitcher to develop control of their pitch location. The target providesadvantages over many current pitching targets by providing depth to thetarget and preferably also providing spot targets.

Thus, a first aspect of the invention concerns a baseball pitchingtarget that includes a target frame, a backstop spaced rearwardly fromthe target frame, and a collapsible frame connecting the target framewith the backstop.

Highly preferably, the target frame, backstop, and collapsible frame areconfigured such that the pitching target collapses, e.g., folds, into acompact configuration. In certain embodiments, the pitching target hasan expanded configuration of 1.5-2 feet, 2-3 feet, 3-4 feet, 4-6 feet,or 6-8 feet; the compact configuration has a depth of no more than 4, 6,8, 10, 12, 14, 16, or 18 inches; the compact configuration is no morethan 10, 15, 20, or 25% of the depth of the expanded configuration; thecollapsible target includes wheels, which may allow the collapsed (e.g.,folded) target to be wheeled while in the compact state; the targetframe forms a representation of a person, e.g., a catcher.

In certain embodiments, the target frame includes a rigid planarsurface; the rigid planar surface is formed substantially of metalsheet, plywood, plastic, and/or a plastic composite; the target frameincludes a flexible surface material mounted on a peripheral mountingframe.

As indicated above, the backstop is located behind and spaced apart fromthe target frame, e.g., at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 2-4, or 3-5 feet behind thetarget frame. In particular embodiments the backstop includes aresilient surface, e.g., a resilient material mounted on a supportframe; the backstop is expandable; the backstop is foldable.

The baseball pitching target can also include additional features andcomponents. Thus, in some embodiments, the pitching target also includesa home plate, e.g., attached to the target frame or the support frameand that is essentially at ground level in front of the target frame,e.g., resting on the ground surface in front of the target frame; thepitching target also includes a representation of a batter positioned infront of the target frame and laterally proximal to said strike zone,e.g., positioned in front of the target frame and laterally proximal tothe home plate; a representation of a batter is not connected with theremainder of the pitching target during use; the representation of abatter is connected with the remainder of the pitching target duringuse; a representation of a batter is collapsed into the remainder of thepitching target in the compact configuration; the representation of abatter folds into the remainder of the pitching target in the compactconfiguration, e.g., with one or more folding arms connected at one endto the target frame and connected at their other ends to therepresentation of a batter; the representation of a batter is connectedto the remainder of the pitching target during use and can be positionedon either side of the strike zone, e.g., either side of the home plate,during use; the representation of a batter has an outer contouridentifiable as a person in batting position.

Likewise, in particular embodiments, the baseball pitching targetincludes a ball collector and/or a ball return mechanism, e.g., arebound backstop, a ball collection trough, a ball return chute, aspring-powered ball return mechanism, and the like.

The baseball pitching target may also include a pitch speed measuringdevice, such as a radar device or other speed measuring device usingelectromagnetic radiation, and can further include a pitch speeddisplay, which may be readable by a pitcher using the pitching targetfrom normal pitching distance and/or a spot target pitch counter, e.g.,a mechanical, photoelectric, or electromechanical counter, whichidentifies location and/or counts the number of spot targets hit in aselected pitching practice session.

In some embodiments, the pitching target includes a pitch locationdetector, e.g., a photoelectric detector that has a grid of light beamsand sensors arranged so that the location of the pitch is identified.Such pitch location detector preferable generates an electronic output,e.g., for communication to a dedicated or general purpose computer.

In certain embodiments, the pitching target includes a relocatable(i.e., moveable) spot target, which may have any of a variety ofdifferent shapes and sizes, but may advantageously be shaped (andpreferably colored) to recognizably represent a mitt, preferably acatcher's mitt. Advantageously, the relocatable spot target (e.g., mittrepresentation) can be positioned in a plurality of positions, e.g., atleast 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8 different positions. The relocatable spottarget may have an approximately central precise target, e.g., adistinct color, separate surface, or aperture. For example, a mittrepresentation may have an approximately central spot targetrepresenting the pocket of a catcher's mitt.

In certain advantageous embodiments, the target frame defines a strikezone aperture, e.g., a rigid planar surface with the strike zoneaperture in that surface. In particular embodiments, the strike zoneaperture is sized and positioned consistent with use for baseballpitching; the strike zone aperture is sized and positioned for use forsoftball pitching. Within that strike zone aperture is at least one andusually a plurality of spot targets The spot targets may be constructedin various ways, including of rigid and/or flexible material, e.g.,metal such as steel or aluminum, plastic, and/or plastic composites,such as wood and plastic composites, fiberglass composites, metal andplastic composites, and the like.

In particular embodiments, the spot targets include at least 1, 2, 3, 4,5, 6, or more target surfaces within the strike zone. Such spot targetsmay be spring and/or hingedly attached to the frame, e.g., with springhinges. The spot targets may be constructed of a soft material or a softmaterial mounted on a rigid frame; the spot targets may include at least1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or more pockets.

In other embodiments, the target frame does not have a strike zoneaperture; preferably the target frame includes a visible strike zoneand/or spot targets. Such embodiments may include a substantially rigidand planar target frame, or may include a flexible material mounted on asubstantially rigid frame, e.g., a perimeter frame.

In certain embodiments, the strike zone includes spot targets, e.g.,visible spot targets; the spot targets include distinguishable coloredareas in a strike zone; the spot targets include spot apertures with astrike zone; the spot targets include areas of increased resiliencecompared to other areas of the target frame; the spot targets includeimpact sensors identifying the spot target, if any, hit by a pitchedball; the spot targets include photoelectric sensors identifying thespot target, if any, hit by a pitched ball; the spot targets includepitched ball impact counters, e.g., counting the number of times one ormore spot targets are struck during a particular pitching session; thespot target is a relocatable spot target (e.g., mitt representation)described above); a mitt representation spot target includes anapproximately central aperture or pocket; the approximately central spottarget aperture has edges sufficient curved and/or padded and/or formedof flexible material to substantially prevent ball cuts.

A related aspect concerns a baseball pitching target kit that includes abaseball pitching target as described above or otherwise describedherein along with either or both of instructions for using the pitchingtarget and a weather resistant cover shaped to fit over the pitchingtarget in compact configuration (that is, formed to conform generally tothe top and sides of the pitching target in compact configuration anddistinguished from a tarp, plastic sheet, or other non-formed cover.

In particular embodiments, the kit also includes a plurality of targetframes having different size and/or shape apertures (e.g., 2, 3, 4, ormore); the kit includes a plurality of target aperture inserts havingdifferent size and/or shape apertures (e.g., 2, 3, 4, or more); the kitincludes a plurality of target frame overlays, which may have the sameor different visual appearances, such as images, and which may have, butare not required to have, adhesive backing.

In another related aspect, the invention concerns a method forpracticing pitching by pitching a plurality of baseballs or softballs atthe pitching target as described above or otherwise described herein,e.g., pitching at spot targets in such pitching target.

In particular embodiments, the pitching target is utilized by aplurality of pitchers in a single session; the pitching target isutilized by one or more baseball pitchers in a pitching session, thepitching target is utilized by one or more softball pitchers in apitching session.

In certain embodiments, a kit as described above is used.

Additional embodiments will be apparent from the Detailed Descriptionand from the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a front view of an exemplary pitching target.

FIG. 2 shows a side view of the exemplary pitching target of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows a view of the exemplary pitching target of FIG. 1 in theprocess of being folded.

FIG. 4 shows a view of the Exemplary pitching target of FIG. 1 in foldedconfiguration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As indicated in the Summary above, the present invention concerns apitching target that is useful for practicing baseballs and/orsoftballs, or any other small objects for which it is desirable topractice throwing from a distance at a generally vertical target area.This target is particularly well adapted for practicing pitching atparticular spots (i.e., spot targets) within a larger target area, e.g.,a strike zone.

Development of this pitching target was based on an inventor coachingyouth baseball for many years, and having tried many different trainingaids during that time. A recent training aid for pitchers that theinventor used is one of the Pop-up pitching targets. He had his playersthrow 50 pitches at this and found that they only hit the target onaverage about 7 out of 50, or 14% of the time, but yet they could pitchduring a game and not have a problem throwing strikes. This differencein pitch location success led to consideration of why it was sodifficult for them to hit the practice target. The working hypothesiswas that putting a flat target on a canvas or net backstop makes it moredifficult for the pitcher to focus on the target as compared to thedepth cues that are available during game pitching situations. To testthis hypothesis, targets were tested in which the target was moved adistance in front of the backstop, giving it a 3-dimensional look whichis made it far easier to focus on the target.

This training aid for pitchers helps them develop accuracy in pitchingwhich is the basis for effective pitching. It teaches pitchers thatlocation is the best pitch rather then curve balls or sliders or otherpitches that can hurt a young pitchers arm if thrown improperly. Itdevelops kids both mentally and physically to be pitchers, and not justthrowers. It can also be used as a game between pitchers as well as afun way to train, as pitching is a very repetitive art. This trainingaid can be used with no additional assistance needed by the pitcher, sohe has the flexibility to train at anytime. In preferred configurations,it can also be readily taken down and set up by one person, e.g., inless then 5 minutes or even in less than 4, 3, or 2 minutes.

Target

As indicated above, the present pitching aid is designed with a targetframe substantially in front of a backstop. The target has target frame,usually including a substantially planar surface. In certainadvantageous embodiments, the target frame includes a target opening oraperture in that surface. In most cases, the target aperture will beshaped and sized to represent a baseball or softball strike zone. Thetarget frame, e.g., the substantially planar surface, can have any of alarge number of shapes, e.g., a simple rectangle, an oval, or a shapeapproximating the outline of a person.

The target frame can be made of wood, plastic, plastic composites,steel, or any other material that is durable enough to withstand theabuse of being hit many times with a baseball or softball being thrownat it at a high rate of speed, as well as preferably withstanding theelements for a substantial period of time, preferably for a period ofyears. In many cases, the target frame is constructed with asubstantially rigid planar surface, e.g., a sheet of metal such asaluminum or steel of sufficient thickness to withstand pitched ballswithout significant damage, or a sheet of plywood, plastic (e.g.,reinforced plastic), or plastic composite, again of sufficient thicknessto withstand pitched balls in view of the nature of the material.Further, multiple layers of the same or different materials can be used,e.g., to impart improved impact resistance and/or to provide a degree ofsurface resilience, such as to reduce damage to the balls.Alternatively, rather than being made of a substantially rigid sheetmaterial, the target frame can be constructed with a frame, e.g., asubstantially rigid frame perimeter frame(s) with a flexible materialsuch as a durable fabric mounted on the frame to create thesubstantially planar surface. The frame may, for example, be a perimeterframe around the outside of the target surface, which may be combined ifdesired, with a frame around the perimeter of the target aperture.

As indicated above, the target frame can have any of a large number ofshapes. In an advantageous example, the target is shaped as a cut-out ofa catcher with a generally rectangular “strike zone” aperture cut out ofthe center. Small spot targets are preferably placed in areas of thisstrike zone so that a pitcher can focus and isolate certain areas of thestrike zone. For example, spot targets may be placed in a corner orcorners (e.g., 1, 2, 3, or 4 corners) as well as along one or more ofthe left side, right side, top, and bottom of the aperture. This designhas been very successful in testing.

In an exemplary pitching target, the target frame (e.g., the catcher) isconstructed out of thick aluminum sheet (e.g., about 3, 4, 5, or 6 mmthickness). The aperture defining the strike zone can be made any size,but preferably is a realistic strike zone proportioned to fit the agebracket of the pitcher that is training with the training aid. Thepitching target can be constructed such that different size strike zonesare available, e.g., by replacing the entire target frame, or byreplacing an insert section that includes the aperture section or byproviding one or more adjustable aperture edges. In this way, thepitching target can be readily adapted to different age brackets and/ordifferent skill levels. Likewise in certain embodiments the height ofthe strike zone, e.g., aperture, can be adjustable.

The pitching target is significantly enhanced by including spot targetsas discussed above. In most cases, such spot targets attach to thetarget frame and extend into the strike zone. These spot targets provideone or more specific locations within the strike zone for the pitcher tohit. Practicing with such spot targets thus enables the pitcher topractice and improve pitch location. The spot targets can be located asdesired within the strike zone, and different numbers of spot targetsmay be used. Further, the spot targets may be constructed in variousways. Examples include pockets such that a properly located pitch willenter the pocket, and moveable, substantially rigid spot targets. In theexemplary pitching target, the spot targets attach to the sides of thestrike zone (i.e., to the target frame) with spring loaded hinges sothat they come back into place after being hit by a pitch.

Like the target frame, the targets themselves can be made of anymaterial that is durable enough to withstand being hit with a baseballor softball at a high rate of speed, and also withstand the elements.Thus, for example, the spot targets can be made of wood, plastic,plastic composite, aluminum, steel, or the like. In the exemplarypitching target, the faces of the spot targets are constructed ofaluminum, but plastic or plastic/fiber composites may also beadvantageous. The spot targets can be made any size and shape desired,compatible with the overall shape and size of the target frame aperture.For example, the spot targets may be round, generally rectangular,shaped like a baseball or softball catcher's glove, or any of a largenumber of other shapes. In the case of the exemplary target, the spottargets are round (like a baseball). In the exemplary target, the spottargets include spring loaded hinges so that the targets spring backinto place after being hit. Such spring back effect is advantageous, butnot essential.

In certain case, the pitching target includes a relocatable spot target,e.g., a recognizable mitt representation. The relocatable spot targetmay be relocated in any of a variety of different ways, e.g., using aclamp(s), moveable arm, perpendicular slide bars (e.g., the relocatablespot target slides in two dimensions on perpendicular sets of bars suchthat the target can be located essentially anywhere within the sliderange of the bars).

As an enhancement to the target frame, the surface may have an imageand/or padding (i.e., a resilient material) on the front surface of thetarget frame. The image can be any desired, for example an image of aperson, e.g., a catcher. The picture can, for example, be painted on, orcan be a screen print, decal or magnet, but is not limited to these. Asindicated, the front of the cut out may have padding, which may, ifdesired, have the image on it. The padding may be attached to the targetframe by any of a number of different methods, e.g., glued, screwed,clipped, and/or otherwise attached. The padding itself can be a neoprenepad or foam or any material that would soften the impact of a ballstriking the target frame and/or deaden the impact sound. Of course, thesurface of the padding as well as the body of the padding should bedurable to provide a long useful life. Desirably, the inner edge of thetarget frame defining the target aperture is rounded and/or covered witha material (e.g., a strong but resilient material) that reduces oreliminates damage to the pitched ball that hits the aperture edge.

Backstop

As pointed out above, the present pitching target includes a backstopthat is positioned substantially behind the target frame, usually about1-5 feet. Like the target frame, the backstop can be constructed in manydifferent ways.

In most embodiments, the backstop is attached to the back of the targetframe at any desired distance, usually a distance that is proportionedto the size of the cut out. Generally the backstop is constructed with asubstantially rigid frame to which is attached a flexible sheet or meshmaterial. The frame of the backstop can be made of anything durableenough to withstand the elements and the impact of pitched balls, e.g.,wood, plastic, steel, and/or aluminum. The frame material may be in anydesired shape that provides sufficient strength, while preferably notcontributing excess weight. For example, tubing (e.g., round tubing orsquare tubing) may advantageously be used, but the backstop frame is notlimited to such tubing.

The backstop can be any size or shape suitable, but is usually sized asa balance between backstop area and portability (e.g., weight andcollapsed size). In most cases, the backstop will be approximately 3-6feet wide by 4-6 feet tall. The frame of the backstop will usually beexpandable so to give a good amount of area to stop the ball and willfold or collapse down to make it transportable. The backstop covermaterial can be anything that is durable enough to be used as a backstopsuch as canvas, netting or vinyl but is not limited to these materials.The backstop cover can have a picture and/or pattern on it and/or be anydesired color.

The frame of the backstop will be expandable so to give a good amount ofarea to stop the ball. With the frame being expandable, it will easilyfold or collapse down to assist in making the target transportable. Forexample, the backstop frame can be constructed such that frame has “sidewings” that fold toward the center, e.g., such that the folded width ofthe backstop frame is approximately the same as, or at least similar to,the width of the target frame.

Collapsible Spacer Frame

Desirably, the present pitching aid is constructed with a collapsiblespacer frame connecting the target frame with the backstop. Such acollapsible spacer frame allows the device to be folded into a compactconfiguration for transport and/or storage. Preferably the pitchingtarget is designed and constructed so that the entire unit will fold up,so that it will be easy to set up and take down with no loose pieces tolose.

To assist in transportability, the pitching target will also preferablyhave wheels attached (e.g., a pair of wheels) so that, when folded, iseasily transportable by anyone. In some cases, the wheels are locatedsuch that the pitching target can be wheeled while in the set-up orexpanded configuration.

The collapsible spacer frame can also be constructed of a variety ofmaterials, e.g., as discussed above. In many embodiments, the majorlinking members will be tubing, e.g., metal such as aluminum or steel,plastic, composite, or wood.

Additional or Alternate Features

The present pitching target can also incorporate a number of optionalfeatures. For example, in some embodiments the target incorporates aspeed sensor to detect and preferably display how fast the ball isthrown. This sensor can be any type, but in many cases will be a radarspeed sensor. The speed sensor is preferably constructed to besufficiently durable enough to withstand the elements to which is willbe exposed (e.g., rain, sun, heat, and the like). The sensor should beshielded from impacts by thrown balls and/or be constructed in a mannerto resist damage by thrown balls. Along with the speed sensor, therewill often be a readout display, e.g., a LED or LCD display. The displaymay be oriented in any desired direction, e.g., toward the pitcher,toward the side, or toward the rear. Likewise, the size and othervisibility characteristics of the displayed characters can be selectedso that a pitcher with normal vision (or vision corrected to normal) canread the characters from normal pitching distance, or may be smaller sothat a person with normal vision will need to be closer to read thedisplay. As with the sensor, the display is preferably constructed suchthat it is durable enough to withstand the elements and/or impact fromthrown balls (and/or is shielded from such impact).

The pitching target can also have sensor(s) and associated counter(s)(which can be in addition to pitch speed sensor and display) to keeptrack of how many times strike zone and/or the spot targets have beenhit. These sensors can be any kind or type. For example, the sensors andassociated counters can be mechanical, electromechanical, photoelectric,and combinations thereof.

In some cases, the pitching target will include a pitch locationdetector (with or without spot targets), e.g., using visible light, orIR sensors, e.g., a photoelectric detector that has a grid of lightbeams and sensors arranged so that the location of the pitch isidentified. Such pitch location detector preferable generates anelectronic output, e.g., for communication to a dedicated or generalpurpose computer.

In some advantageous embodiments, the pitching target will also have ahome plate attached that will pull out or fold down in front of thetarget frame (e.g., cutout of a person). The home plate can be made ofany of a variety of materials, such as wood, plastic, steel, aluminum orrubber, but is not limited to only these. The home plate can be attachedwith hinges, brackets, and/or slide tracks, or any other way that issuited to the overall design.

Also in some embodiments, the pitching target includes a representationof a batter. The batter representation may be linked with the remainderof the pitching target, e.g., to the target frame, or may be detachableor detached. Preferably the batter representation can be moved to eitherside of the plate so to simulate a right- or left-handed batter.Preferably but not necessarily, the distance of the batterrepresentation from the near edge of the strike zone or home plate isadjustable (e.g., either continuously over a range or in steps over arange) This batter representation can be made of any material, e.g.,wood, plastic, composite, steel, and/or aluminum, but is not limited toonly these materials. Of course, the batter representation can be madeany shape or size desired, such as a size consistent with the agebracket of the pitchers intending to use the target. In most cases, thebatter representation will be made of a flat surface, e.g., a flat metalplate or a sheet of plastic, composite, or plywood. The pitching targetcan also be provided with a plurality of batter representations ofdifferent sizes (e.g., 2, 3, 4, or more). Such a plurality of differentbatter representations can represent batters of different age brackets.In some cases, the batter representation will be a cut-out with anoutline suggesting a person. The representation can be enhanced with theuse of an image of an actual or simulated person on the front surface ofthe batter representation. For example, the image may be on plasticsheeting and attached to the front surface of the batter representationusing an adhesive. Preferably the batter representation is connectedwith the remainder of the pitching target in a manner allowing thebatter representation to be collapsed (e.g., folded) with the remainderof the pitching target. For example, the batter representation may beconnected to the target frame with one or more arms that includes hingesand/or slides such that the batter representation folds and/or slidesagainst a surface (usually the front surface) of the target frame.

Yet another feature that can be advantageously included is a ballcollector and/or a ball return. A ball collector is usually intended tocollects balls that have passed through the target aperture and/or havereached the backstop, and may be constructed in various ways. Forexample, the ball collector may include a trough and/or bag into whichballs drop. The balls can also enter a chute, allowing easy retrieval. Aball return may be constructed in various ways, and may be an immediatereturn, or may return balls that have entered a ball collector. Forexample, a backstop that includes a rebound surface can act as a ballreturn by rebounding pitched balls toward the pitcher. In other cases,the ball return may include a spring-powered impeller or a motorizedimpeller (e.g., similar to a pitching machine).

A non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present pitching target isdescribed with reference to FIGS. 1-4. As shown in FIG. 1, the pitchingtarget 10 includes a target frame 20 that has an outline suggesting aperson, a backstop 40, and a home plate 50 (an optional feature). Targetframe 20 includes a target aperture 22, with 8 spot targets 24 mountedto the back of the target frame extending into the target aperture atselected positions. The spot targets 24 are mounted such that the spottarget will deflect rearward when struck with a pitched ball, and thenspring back into position, e.g., mounted with spring hinges. At the baseof the target frame are attached the backstop link frame 60 and the homebase link frame 70. Highly preferably these link frames are attachedwith hinge points at or near the target frame, enabling the home baselink frame with its attached home base to be folded up against thetarget frame, and the target frame to be folded back against thebackstop link frame. The backstop includes a perimeter frame 42, ladderbars 44, and cover 46. The cover 46 is a durable, flexible material,e.g., mesh, netting, fabric, or sheet. The cover can be made of any of avariety of durable, weather resistant materials and combinations ofmaterials, such as canvas (which may be treated or coated, e.g., with aplastic) or polyurethane or other plastic material (which may have anyof a variety of different reinforcing fibrous materials in and/or fusedto the plastic). In the illustrated embodiment, the backstop cover isstretched to the backstop perimeter frame, but can be installed in manydifferent ways. In this exemplary embodiment, the perimeter frame isconstructed with hinge points such that the distal portions (which canalso be referred to as wing portions, swinging portions, or foldingportions) of the backstop can be swung rearward such that they lay flatagainst the back of the central portion of the backstop. (See, FIG. 4,folding portions 48) Highly preferably, the folding portions can befixed in extended positions and/or in folded positions, such as by usingpins to lock the folding portions in the respective positions.

During use, the backstop is stabilized in a vertical position with twobraces 80 that extend from the backstop link frame 60 to ladder bars 44.In this embodiment, the connections between the braces and the backstoplink frame are pivot connections, and the connections between the bracesthe ladder bars are removable connections, e.g., pinned connections. Thetarget frame 20 is then held in a generally vertical position using astabilizing bar 90 that extends from the back upper surface of thetarget frame to approximately the center top of the backstop perimeterframe. Similar to the braces, the stabilizing bar is removably attachedto the target frame (e.g., with a pin connection), and hingedly attachedto the backstop perimeter frame. Mounted on the backstop link frame arewheels 62 that are used for rolling the pitching target when the targetis in folded configuration. (See, FIG. 4)

For additional clarification, the exemplary pitching target of FIG. 1 isshown in side view in FIG. 2.

If desired, the pitching target assembly may be made more rigid byincluding position locks (e.g., pinned connections or slide fitconnections) at the hinge points between the target frame and thebackstop link frame and/or between the target frame and the home baselink frame.

FIG. 3 shows the pitching target in the process of being folded.Usually, if they are present, the home base 50 and home base link frame70 are folded up against the target frame 20 (and preferably fastened inposition, e.g., with pins, straps, or other fasteners). The stabilizingbar 90 is disconnected from the target frame 20 and swung down againstor across the front of the backstop 40. A pin or other fastener can, ifdesired, be provided for retaining the stabilizing bar in this position.The target frame and home base link frame (with the attached home base)are folded back and down against the backstop link frame 60. If desired,the target frame can be fastened in this position, e.g., with a pinnedconnection, with a strap, or with other such fastener. To complete thefolding process, the backstop is folded against the combined, foldedbackstop link frame, target frame, homebase link frame, and homebase.This is accomplished by releasing the braces 80 from the backstop ladderbars 44, pivoting them along the sides of the backstop link frame, andfolding the backstop and the combined, folded backstop link frame,target frame, homebase link frame, and homebase together. Either beforeor after this step, the folding portions 48 of the backstop are swungagainst the back of the central portion of the backstop, and preferablyfixed in position using pins, clips, straps, or other suitable fastener.

After folding is completed, the folded pitching target is in a foldedconfiguration as shown in FIG. 4, and is ready to be moved by a person.In this embodiment, the wheels 62 are positioned such that tilting thefolded pitching target toward the target frame/homebase side causes thewheels to contact the ground such that the folded backstop is clear ofthe ground. The pitching target can be then wheeled to a desiredlocation by a person 100. Preferably bottom edge of the folded pitchingtarget is constructed such that the folded target will stand in avertical position for storage.

For larger and/or heavier embodiments of the present pitching target,the wheels may be selected and positioned to be suitable for towingbehind a vehicle. In such cases, the pitching target will also beprovided with a suitably located coupler for towing (e.g. a towing ballcoupler).

In addition, additional features, e.g., as discussed above, can beincorporated in the present pitching targets.

All patents and other references cited in the specification areindicative of the level of skill of those skilled in the art to whichthe invention pertains, and are incorporated by reference in theirentireties, including any tables and figures, to the same extent as ifeach reference had been incorporated by reference in its entiretyindividually.

One skilled in the art would readily appreciate that the presentinvention is well adapted to obtain the ends and advantages mentioned,as well as those inherent therein. The methods, variances, andcompositions described herein as presently representative of preferredembodiments are exemplary and are not intended as limitations on thescope of the invention. Changes therein and other uses will occur tothose skilled in the art, which are encompassed within the spirit of theinvention, are defined by the scope of the claims.

It will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art that varyingsubstitutions and modifications may be made to the invention disclosedherein without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Forexample, variations can be made to materials from which the variousparts of the pitching target are constructed, as well as to the mannerin which the components are connected. Thus, such additional embodimentsare within the scope of the present invention and the following claims.

The invention illustratively described herein suitably may be practicedin the absence of any element or elements, limitation or limitationswhich is not specifically disclosed herein. Thus, for example, in eachinstance herein any of the terms “comprising”, “consisting essentiallyof” and “consisting of” may be replaced with either of the other twoterms. The terms and expressions which have been employed are used asterms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intentionthat in the use of such terms and expressions of excluding anyequivalents of the features shown and described or portions thereof, butit is recognized that various modifications are possible within thescope of the invention claimed. Thus, it should be understood thatalthough the present invention has been specifically disclosed bypreferred embodiments and optional features, modification and variationof the concepts herein disclosed may be resorted to by those skilled inthe art, and that such modifications and variations are considered to bewithin the scope of this invention as defined by the appended claims.

In addition, where features or aspects of the invention are described interms of Markush groups or other grouping of alternatives, those skilledin the art will recognize that the invention is also thereby describedin terms of any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markushgroup or other group.

Also, unless indicated to the contrary, where various numerical valuesor value range endpoints are provided for embodiments, additionalembodiments are described by taking any 2 different values as theendpoints of a range or by taking two different range endpoints fromspecified ranges as the endpoints of an additional range. Such rangesare also within the scope of the described invention. Further,specification of a numerical range including values greater than oneincludes specific description of each integer value within that range.

Thus, additional embodiments are within the scope of the invention andwithin the following claims.

1. A baseball pitching target, comprising a target frame defining astrike zone aperture, wherein within said strike zone aperture is aplurality of spot targets; a backstop spaced rearwardly from said targetframe; and a collapsible frame connecting said target frame and saidbackstop.
 2. The baseball pitching target of claim 1, wherein saidtarget frame forms a representation of a catcher.
 3. The baseballpitching target, wherein said target frame comprises a rigid planarsurface with said strike zone aperture in said surface.
 4. The baseballpitching target of claim 3, wherein said rigid planar surface is formedsubstantially of metal sheet.
 5. The baseball pitching target of claim3, wherein said rigid planar surface is formed substantially of plywood.6. The baseball pitching target of claim 3, wherein said rigid planarsurface is formed substantially of plastic or a plastic composite. 7.The baseball pitching target of claim 1, wherein said target framecomprises a flexible surface material mounted on a peripheral mountingframe.
 8. The baseball pitching target of claim 1, wherein said spottargets comprise at least one surface within said strike zone hingedlyattached to said frame.
 9. The baseball pitching target of claim 8,wherein said spot targets are spring-mounted to said frame.
 10. Thebaseball pitching target of claim 8, comprising at least 4 of said spottargets.
 11. The baseball pitching target of claim 8, comprising atleast 6 of said spot targets.
 12. The baseball pitching target of claim1, wherein said spot targets comprise at least one pocket.
 13. Thebaseball pitching target of claim 1, wherein said backstop is at leasttwo feet behind said frame.
 14. The baseball pitching target of claim 1,wherein said backstop comprises a resilient surface.
 15. The baseballpitching target of claim 1, wherein said backstop is expandable.
 16. Thebaseball pitching target of claim 1, wherein said backstop is foldable.17. The baseball pitching target of claim 1, further comprising a homeplate attached to said target frame and that rests on the ground surfacein front of said target frame.
 18. The baseball pitching target of claim1, further comprising a representation of a batter positioned in frontof said target frame and laterally proximal to said strike zone.
 19. Thebaseball pitching target of claim 17, further comprising arepresentation of a batter positioned in front of said target frame andlaterally proximal to said home plate.
 20. The baseball pitching targetof claim 1, further comprising a ball return mechanism.
 21. The baseballpitching target of claim 1, further comprising a pitch speed measuringdevice.
 22. The baseball pitching target of claim 21, wherein said pitchspeed measuring device is a radar device.
 23. The baseball pitchingtarget of claim 21, further comprising a pitch speed display.
 24. Thebaseball pitching target of claim 23, wherein said display is readableby a pitcher using said device from normal pitching distance.
 25. Thebaseball pitching target of claim 1, further comprising a spot targetpitch counter.
 26. The baseball pitching target of claim 1, wherein saidpitching target is foldable and said pitching target further comprisinga pair of wheels allowing said pitching target to be wheeled while in afolded configuration.
 27. A baseball pitching target kit, comprising abaseball pitching target of claim 1; and instructions for using saidpitching target.
 28. The kit of claim 27, further comprising a pluralityof target aperture inserts comprising different size apertures.
 29. Amethod for practicing pitching, comprising pitching baseballs orsoftballs at spot targets in a pitching target of claim
 1. 30. Themethod of claim 29, wherein said pitching target is utilized by aplurality of pitchers in a single session.